Arc welding apparatus including function generators for controlling welding parameters

Abstract

An arc welding apparatus includes means for controllingly supplying an output current to an arc-producing electrode, an output current setting unit for controlling the supplying means, means for feeding a filler wire, and means for applying voltage to the filler wire. A first function generator is connected between the output current setting unit and the feeding means for producing an output which is a function of an output current setting and which is delivered to the feeding means to control the rate at which the filler wire is fed. A second function generator is connected between the first function generator and the applying means for producing an output which is a function of the output from the first function generator and which is fed to the applying means to control the voltage applied to the filler wire. The second function generator may be connected between the output current setting unit and the applying means for issuing an output which is a function of the output current setting to the applying means to control the voltage applied to the filler wire. Therefore, the output current, the rate of feed of the filler wire, and the wire voltage can be adjusted solely by the output current setting unit.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. An arc welding apparatus, comprising: an electrode,   an output current setting unit for producing an output current setting,   means responsive to said output current setting for controllingly supplying an output current to said electrode to create an arc between said electrode and a workpiece,   means for feeding a filler wire at a controllable feed rate into said arc to weld the workpiece,   a first function generator connected between said output current setting unit and said feeding means and responsive to said output current setting for issuing an output, which is a function of said output current setting, to said feeding means to control said feed rate,   means for applying a voltage to said filler wire with respect to the workpiece, and   a second function generator connected between said first function generator and said voltage applying means and responsive to said output from said first function generator for issuing an output, which is a function of said output from said first function generator, to said voltage means to control said voltage, whereby said output current, said feed rate of the filler wire, and said voltage applied to the filler wire are adjusted in a mutually functional relationship solely by said output current setting unit.   
     
     
       2. An arc welding apparatus comprising: an electrode,   an output current setting unit for producing an output current setting;   means responsive to said output current to said electrode to create an arc between said electrode and a workpiece,   means for feeding a filler wire at a controllable feed rate into said arc to weld the workpiece,   a first function generator connected between said output current setting unit and said feeding means and responsive to said output current setting for issuing an output, which is a function of said output current setting, to said feeding means to control said feed rate,   means for applying a voltage to said filler wire with respect to the workpiece, and   a second function generator connected between said output current setting unit and said voltage applying means and responsive to said output current setting for issuing an output, which is a function of said output current setting, to said voltage applying means to control said voltage, whereby said output current, said feed rate of the filler wire, and said voltage applied to the filler wire are adjusted in a mutually functional relationship solely by said output current setting unit.